Filipino vacationers can proceed to take pleasure in hassle-free journey to Taiwan for one more yr, as Taiwan’s Ministry of International Affairs (MOFA) formally introduced the extension of its visa-free entry program for Philippine nationals till July 31, 2026.
“To proceed to deepen bilateral ties between Taiwan and the Philippines, I announce that ‘Taiwan will prolong the visa-free entry program for Filipino nationals for one yr,'” Minister Lin said in his speech.
The extension, efficient from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, additionally covers nationals from Thailand and Brunei, aligning with Taiwan’s “New Southbound Coverage” geared toward strengthening engagement with Southeast Asian international locations. MOFA clarified that it’s going to proceed to evaluation and fine-tune its visa insurance policies to each appeal to extra guests and guarantee nationwide safety.
Minister Lin additionally expressed a reciprocal hope, urging the Philippines to contemplate granting visa-free privileges to Taiwanese nationals within the close to future. “We additionally hope that within the close to future, Taiwanese individuals will be capable to journey visa-free to the Philippines below the precept of reciprocity, in order that they’ll begin a go-and-go vacation so long as they merely pack their baggage and convey,” a translated portion of his speech indicated.
Past particular person tourism, MOFA confirmed that the “Mission for Simplifying Visa Rules for Excessive-end Group Vacationers from Southeast Asian Nations” may also be prolonged by December 31, 2026. The conditional visa-free entry by way of the Journey Authorization Certificates (TAC) scheme will equally stay in place.
The extension underscores the flourishing people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and the Philippines. Minister Lin highlighted that some 415,000 Filipino vacationers visited Taiwan in 2024, making the Philippines Taiwan’s largest supply of vacationers from Southeast Asia and fifth globally. He additionally acknowledged the very important contribution of roughly 160,000 Filipino migrant employees in Taiwan, recognizing their onerous work in numerous sectors.
Lin emphasised the Philippines’ function as an “essential neighbor” resulting from shared values of freedom and democracy, and their strategic place throughout the Indo-Pacific First Island Chain. He reiterated the shared accountability of Taiwan and the Philippines in sustaining regional peace and stability.
Minister Lin famous that this rest lays a vital basis for the joint promotion of a Taiwan-Philippines Financial Hall, fostering cooperation in fields reminiscent of agriculture, expertise, vitality, good options, and financial resilience.
Regardless of the absence of formal diplomatic relations because of the One-China Coverage, each side are clearly demonstrating a dedication to deepen substantive ties and facilitate better exchanges.